DAP forms 3-man panel to resolve ‘godfather-warlord’ dispute

UPDATED @ 10:35:37 PM 13-12-2011

By Clara Chooi

December 13, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — DAP announced tonight the formation of a special three-man committee to resolve the brewing “godfather-warlord” spat between its national chairman Karpal Singh and Penang DAP deputy chief Dr P. Ramasamy.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng made the announcement at a brief press conference after the party’s central executive committee (CEC) meeting at its headquarters here.

Despite much anticipation that the CEC would finally announce a resolution to the dispute tonight, Lim, who is also Penang DAP chief, said the panel would instead be entrusted with the duty.

“The CEC has given the mandate to a three-member committee comprising the secretary-general, which is me, (DAP’s) life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin and (party adviser) Lim Kit Siang to resolve this issue as soon as possible,” he said before refusing to entertain questions from reporters.

“That is the statement that I want to give. I will not, because it is late, accept any questions,” he said, bringing an end to the press conference.

Lim explained that tonight’s meeting was called specifically to discuss preparations for DAP’s national convention scheduled for January 8 next year.

But he said in view of the brewing spat between the two leaders, which has come under media attention, the CEC had decided to discuss the matter.

Karpal (picture) and Ramasamy have been locked in a public row since the latter announced last week he would defend his seats and that DAP would field three Indian women in the next general election.

Karpal then responded by saying the party would not tolerate “warlords” like the Penang DAP deputy chief pushing for any one person to be fielded as a candidate.

Ramasamy hit back by saying that DAP should not only be rid of warlords but godfathers as well.

Karpal has since insisted that Ramasamy retract his slur against him and issue a public apology.

In response, however, Ramasamy said, “I don’t understand the meaning of that word” when asked if he would apologise to Karpal.

“If I have to leave the party, I will leave the party. I’m not after positions and I’m not interested in those kinds of things,” he reportedly said in his speech at the party’s Penang chapter conference on Sunday.